Stacking stones in the Emmer Rensenpark? Most visitors to today’s walk-in afternoon didn’t have to think about it. Homes are clearly taboo. Instead, attention is drawn to the maintenance of the greenery and the existing buildings. Because that could be better, much better, was a frequently heard sound.
What direction should the park take? What has to happen? And what should be left? Residents and other interested parties were able to contribute this afternoon during a specially organized walk-in afternoon. This was organized by the municipality of Emmen, the owner of the park.
Guided tours were given and idea boxes and digital screens were everywhere eagerly awaiting opinions and suggestions. The city council will consider a new vision for the park in May. The sound of the inhabitants is included in this.
In the Africa House, a group of people gathers to make the rounds. While waiting for the start, some already write down their wishes and plans on bright yellow papers that then disappear in a plexiglass box.
So is Gloria Sommer. She would like to see exercise equipment for the elderly placed in the park. “And preferably near the Cho elderly center.” Because there are also playground equipment for children. “I often see grandparents walking through the park with their grandchildren. Can they train while the children play.”
The guide Ali Zingstra then reports that the tour of the park is being given. During the detour through the park, text and explanations are given about the many initiatives in the park. The biggest concern for participant Henk Bijkes from Veenoord is housing. “At first I thought the municipality wanted to crush things here and build flats.”
He is absolutely not in favor of that. He prefers to see that energy spent on maintenance. The attention to green has visibly slackened here and there. He also denounces the green attack on the buildings in the park. “Make sure it looks fresh and fruity again.”
Broadly speaking, Jan Assen from Emmen also agrees. Does he have a nice idea for the park? “How about some horses on the former savannah? A pretty sight, I think. No, no sheep, that’s so ordinary.” When he sees the savannah full of boulders and unevenness, he comes back to that. “Mouflons may be better.”
During the tour, the group talks about various things. A man sometimes sees young people climbing over the fence after closing time to create a nuisance in the park. “Fences are destroyed and buildings damaged.” More supervision in the park would help in that case. “Of course I don’t approach it myself.”
In the Africa House, the suggestions via box and screen are pouring in nicely. Around three o’clock 73 people reported for the walk-in. Ingrid van der Woude, program leader of the park, speaks of a good turnout. Also with a lot of discussion. “It was tough at times,” she says. The suggestions will be collected up to and including February 23, and Van der Woude and park director Ria Medema will map everything out.
As for the future of the park, there is still a lot to do. The renovation of the former Biochron will then be completed. Part of these cellars will be the new home of the Center for Visual Arts (CBK), which is still located in the former dairy factory in Noordbarge. Above ground there will be greenery and water features. The work will be completed in November.
According to Van der Weide, the municipality will immediately continue with a refresh of the area between the park entrance and the Market Square. Part of the plans includes the return of the gardens for Villa De Lindenhof (artists’ quarter) and the Hospershuis (home to regional broadcaster ZO!34). Van der Woude: “Then we will look again at the plans for the savannah and the elephant island.” In the past, the municipality had plans for an exercise garden and a promenade at these locations, respectively.